About Me
Introduction
Hi, I’m Molly – a Neurodiversity Coach and Autism Specialist Mentor. I have 5 years’ experience working in UK education settings, and have spent the last 2 years working as a Neurodiversity Coach at a mainstream secondary school in Leeds. I am now working freelance, both in person and online.
I have worked with over 50 autistic young people, and I take great joy in supporting people with a range of support needs, from situational non-speakers to those who struggle with school-based anxiety. I understand the social, academic and sensory demand that autistic young people face in the school system, and I aim to work with young people and their families to alleviate these stressors.
Mentoring for Young People
One of the key aims of mentoring is to support autistic young people in developing a positive sense of identity, rooted in the social model of disability and the concept of ‘difference, not deficit’.
Autistic people who are able to understand and articulate their support needs and lived experience – and are surrounded by family, friends and educators who accommodate them with patience, care, dignity and respect – are far more likely to have better outcomes.
Mentoring covers a range of topics and is led by the young person. Areas we can explore include: the concept of ‘energy accounting’ and how you can better manage your energy as an autistic person; executive functioning, and the tips and tricks you can use to support yourself; meltdowns and shutdowns, including building a better understanding of your triggers and self-care techniques; and more.
School-Based Anxiety
I recognise the growing number of autistic young people who are struggling to attend UK education settings, and I have a wide range of experience supporting these young people and their families. I have a good working knowledge of SEND best practice in schools, from the Graduated Approach and the ADPR cycle, to the the importance of putting the appropriate reasonable adjustments in place.
I understand that school-based trauma and school non-attendance is a complex area, and as such the support I put in place for young people and their families is highly personalised.
For some young people, ensuring that the correct reasonable adjustments are in place – alongside a gentle, child-centred approach – is enough to allow them to re-integrate back into mainstream schooling.
For others, school-based anxiety and trauma is far more ingrained, and it is necessary to explore more radical alternatives to mainstream schooling.
For all families, it can be a challenging, exhausting and isolating time.
Having the correct support in place for you and your young person can make a huge difference on this journey.
CPD and Safeguarding
I hold an Enhanced DBS and I complete regular CPD to ensure my working knowledge is up-to-date. In July 2023, I completed my Level 2 training on Good Autism Practice in Schools via Autism Education Trust (AET) and Leeds STARS, which allowed me to work as the STARS Lead Autism Practitioner at a mainstream secondary school in Leeds. I am currently completing training with both AET and The Autistic Girls’ Network.